{"id":252032,"date":"2020-04-28T10:30:05","date_gmt":"2020-04-28T08:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/?p=252032"},"modified":"2020-04-28T10:00:41","modified_gmt":"2020-04-28T08:00:41","slug":"what-is-the-process-when-donating-blood-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2020\/04\/28\/what-is-the-process-when-donating-blood-2\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the process when donating blood?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has various measures in place to protect the health and wellbeing of blood donors and patients.<\/p>\n

These measures ensure that our blood supply is among the safest in the world.<\/p>

<\/div>\n

When you donate blood you will be required to complete a self-exclusion questionnaire (SEQ).<\/p>\n

The questions are meant to assess your health and lifestyles to ensure you are well enough to donate blood and that your blood will not be of risk to a patient who may receive it.<\/p>

<\/div>\n

This is followed by a one-on-one interview with the nurse who goes through the questions to ensure that the questions are understood and that the donor understands the importance of being honest on the questionnaire.<\/p>\n

Your blood pressure and haemoglobin (iron) levels are checked (the checking of your iron level is done with a small prick to your finger).<\/p>\n

If you meet the criteria you may continue. If not, you will be deferred.<\/p>\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Donate blood and save a life \u2013 encourages school<\/a><\/h4>\n

So what happens next?<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you are comfortable on the chair your name, address and date of birth will be confirmed.<\/p>\n

A nurse will examine your arm and place a cuff on your upper arm to maintain a small amount of pressure during donation (this does not measure blood pressure).<\/p>\n

A suitable vein will then be found and the arm cleaned with an antiseptic sponge before a needle is inserted in your arm which will collect your blood into a blood bag with your unique number.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe only use new, sterile needles which are used once and incinerated thereafter,\u201d said SANBS.<\/p>\n

A scale weighs the blood and stops when you have donated 480ml. This usually takes between 5-10 minutes.<\/p>\n

In addition to the blood bag donated, 3 small vials of blood will also be collected.<\/p>\n

These are sent for further testing with the unique number that refers back to the blood donated.<\/p>\n

You should not feel any discomfort or pain during the donating process. If you do, tell a member of staff immediately.<\/p>\n

Once the blood is collected the needle will be removed and a sterile dressing applied to your arm.<\/p>\n

You are requested to remain seated for a few minutes once you have donated.<\/p>\n

The blood donation process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.<\/p>\n

ALSO READ: To be there for one another is in our blood<\/a><\/h4>\n

Remember these tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Increase your fluid intake for four to six hours after donation.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Avoid strenuous physical exercise or heavy lifting with the arm used for donating for two hours.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Do not smoke for at least half an hour after donation.<\/p>\n

How often should I donate?<\/p>\n

You can donate blood every 56 days and we would like donors to commit to regular blood donation.<\/p>\n

This means at least four donations during a two-year period.<\/p>\n

This will assist in ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply.<\/p>\n

Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist)\u00a0busiv@caxton.co.za.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Also follow us on:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n